Abstract

The Particle Image Velocimetry (PIV) technique is reviewed, with special reference to its application to coastal engineering problems. The basic principles are described, and strengths and weaknesses of different implementations considered. Examples of some applications of PIV at Edinburgh are described to illustrate the practicalities of its implementation in a hydrodynamics laboratory. Finally, the limitations to the accuracy of PIV in these applications are reviewed and an outline of some new developments in this area is given.